Vehicles cross Ngã Tư Sở (So Intersection) in Hanoi. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation to improve road traffic safety in Vietnam in the 2024 – 2026 period was signed between the Department of Roads of Vietnam (DRVN) under the Ministry of Transport and 3M Corporation of the US at a ceremony in Hà Nội on January 30.

The document aims to promote cooperation in sharing experiences and expertise, and training, research, and consultancy activities in the field of road traffic safety, which are mutual interests of both DRVN and the 3M Corporation.

DRVN Vice General Director Nguyễn Mạnh Thắng said the department will actively coordinate with the 3M Corporation, as well as relevant agencies and units to develop detailed plans and efficiently deploy cooperative activities, and evaluate the results of pilot projects and the potential for scaling up effective solutions, thus helping to improve the effectiveness of ensuring road traffic safety in Vietnam.

Ming Cheng, Senior Vice President for Research & Development at the 3M Corporation, stressed that the firm hopes to collaborate with the Ministry of Transport towards reaching the goals set by the Vietnamese Government in 2021-2030, with a vision to 2045, to consistently reduce the numbers of fatalities and injuries caused by traffic accidents by 5-10%.

The MoU between the two sides will establish a more official framework for the public-private partnership to raise awareness and facilitate the sharing of global expertise and best practices in developing standards in the field of road infrastructure, Ming Cheng stressed, adding that the 3M Corporation pledged to assist the Vietnamese Government in achieving strategic development goals in traffic safety.

According to Deputy General Director of the International Cooperation Department under the Ministry of Transport Trần Việt Hà, the ministry acknowledged the activities of the 3M Corporation and its subsidiary - 3M Vietnam Co., Ltd, in implementing solutions to enhance traffic safety in Việt Nam in recent times.

He suggested the two sides continue to exchange ideas and agree on specific collaboration activities soon.

Addressing the signing ceremony, US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc E.Knapper highlighted the importance of the MoU for traffic in Vietnam. He said it aims to realise initiatives and cooperation programmes to ensure traffic safety for vehicles, people and transport infrastructure in Vietnam, thus enhancing policy coherence and mobilising support for cooperation to improve road traffic safety, ensuring key elements towards sustainable development goals. — VNS